Did You Know? | Ohio woman opened first free cancer clinic in U.S. in 1921

Sunday

Nov 17, 2013 at 12:01 AMNov 17, 2013 at 11:37 AM

In 1921, Catherine "Carrie" Nelson Black established the first free cancer clinic in the United States. Black, who devoted her life's work to numerous health-care issues, opened her Downtown Columbus home at 499 Oak St. to help the needy with free cancer screenings and medical assistance.

In 1921, Catherine “Carrie” Nelson Black established the first free cancer clinic in the United States.

Black, who devoted her life’s work to numerous health-care issues, opened her Downtown Columbus home at 499 Oak St. to help the needy with free cancer screenings and medical assistance.

Today, the organization is known as the Columbus Cancer Clinic and operates on the Hilltop. It provides an array of services to people who might otherwise not have access to adequate health care. Head-to-toe cancer screenings are available, as well as information about cancer prevention.

According to its website, the Columbus Cancer Clinic’s home-care support philosophy is that “any individual dealing with cancer should have access to needed home-care services. These services are to be comprehensive, interdisciplinary and provided regardless of ability to pay.”

The clinic has a pantry full of healthful foods and nutritional supplements. Breast prostheses, wigs and medical equipment also are available to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. Clients who are in financial distress also can receive help with housing costs and utility bills, allowing them to stay at home as they cope with illness.

The Columbus Cancer Clinic receives funding through the Central Ohio United Way. It has operated as part of LifeCare Alliance since 2005, enabling it to have more money to help more people.

The clinic operates out of LifeCare Alliance’s office at 1699 W. Mound St.

— Susan Stonick and Corinne Smith

sstonick@dispatch.com

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